Updated rankings show Kentucky in good shape with nation's top recruits

The class of 2014 rankings are in for all four major recruiting services, and John Calipari once again seems to be in great shape with the nation's top prospects.

Jahlil Okafor of Whitney Young High School in Chicago. Basketball prospect for Class of 2014 (Photo by USA Basketball)

Emmanuel Mudiay (0) is thought to be the leading contender to become the next on John Calipari's illustrious list of point guards. "I love when a coach can push me," Mudiay said of Calipari.

Organizers set up a formal press conference for UK commitment Karl Towns — and only him — at the NBPA Top 100 camp.

Emmanuel Mudiay, from Prime Prep in Texas, is one of the top-rated point guards in the class of 2014. At 6-foot-4, Mudiay has the speed to get in the lane and create shots.
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St. Joseph's Karl Towns drove past Seton Hall Prep's Stephon Mosley in March 2012. Towns, who signed to play for the University of Kentucky, was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year on Thursday.
The Star-Ledger file photo

Turner — a 7-footer from Texas — is the only player on that list who does not yet have a UK scholarship offer.

The defensive-minded center missed last year's summer circuit with an ankle injury and flew under the radar for most of his junior season.

Turner went from an unranked three-star prospect to No. 5 in the country in the Scout.com rankings, which were released Tuesday. He moved up 72 spots — from 78th to sixth — in the Rivals rankings released Thursday.

Daniels called Turner "this year's Anthony Davis" in reference to the former Wildcat's meteoric rise in the recruiting rankings late in his high school career.

Daniels also said Turner and Towns could coexist.

"I think they complement each other pretty well," Daniels told the Herald-Leader. "Karl stands out on the offensive end. ... Right now, Turner's strengths are on the defensive end. There couldn't be a frontcourt better than that one."

Turner is also hearing from Duke, Kansas, Louisville and several other high-major programs. He's expected to trim his list of schools later this summer.

Okafor — a center from Chicago — was listed as the No. 1 overall player by both Scout and Rivals. He is also first on ESPN's list, which was updated a couple weeks ago. Okafor is No. 2 according to 24/7 Sports, which also updated its list this month.

Jones got the top spot in 24/7's rankings. The Minnesota point guard is ranked No. 2 by Scout and Rivals, and No. 3 by ESPN.

Okafor and Jones are planning to play together in college. Both prospects have UK on their short list, but national analysts aren't bullish on Calipari's chances to land the duo.

UK's chances are better with Mudiay, who is widely considered to be the next great point guard in Calipari's line.

The Texas native was rated No. 3 overall by both Scout and Rivals. He's also considering Baylor, SMU and Kansas, among others.

Alexander is No. 4 on Rivals' list and No. 6 according to Scout. ESPN rated him as the No. 2 overall prospect in the class.

The 6-foot-9 post player from Chicago has repeatedly said that UK, Michigan State and Illinois are the three schools recruiting him the hardest.

Alexander, who was in Rupp Arena for last season's Big Blue Madness, took an unofficial visit to Kansas this week.